Country: Philippines

Organization: Development Action for Women Network (DAWN)

Innovation: Many Filipino women who go to Japan to work as "overseas performing artists" or entertainers end up being victims of trafficking. DAWN provides a holistic approach/intervention to service and provide for the needs of returning distressed Filipino women migrants from Japan, as well as their Japanese Filipino children. Our work is to generate strong public support for the promotion of issues, rights and concerns of Filipino migrants and their families, as well as provide possible alternatives to their situation. We empower women by providing them with the following programs and services: counselling, legal and paralegal assistance, health and education assistance, advocacy and research, publication, workshops, skills training and employment.

Impact: DAWN has lobbied and continues to lobby for legislation and reforms in laws and policies to protect the rights of migrant workers, especially women and children. At the same time it continues to assist distressed Filipino migrant women and their children, has helped them regain and strengthen their dignity and self-worth. The programs run by the organization provide women with alternatives, other than working in a foreign land, and made them realize that there is still hope and that they can make things better for themselves and their families. Its women clients/members have been empowered through its programs and services -- emotionally, intellectually, morally, financially. Moreso, the women themselves have become advocates.

Tipping Point: While there are several laws in the country, not to mention international agreements to help combat trafficking in women and children, strict and proper implementation is still a concern. There is still a lot to be done and it would help if additional funds could be poured in the organization to finance its other activities and to expand the programs and services in the future, not just for Filipino women migrants in Japan but also in other countries.

Replication: The programs that we run are simple. They are open for sharing to all. Infact, many organizations, government agencies and international organizations from the Philippines and abroad come to see how we work, especially our livelihood program.

Sustainability: The programs of the organization have been running for ten (10) years. We have formed networks and linkages with government and non-government organizations, both local and international, that have helped us sustain our programs. Individual projects, like researches and publications have been funded by agencies/partners who believe in our work. Our livelihood program for women (sewing, hand-weaving, tie- dye, knitting) is earning a modest amount that helps sustain the program. Our livelihood programs provide the women not only their sources of income but also serves as a therapy for them. Volunteers from both the Philippines and Japan have contributed their time and skills to many of our programs.

Position in the Human Trafficking Mosaic of Solutions:

Factor: Vulnerability of High-Risk Populations

Principle: Ensuring Law for All